No matter how careful you are with your drains, it will eventually get clogged. The severity of course will vary significantly based on the level of care that you exercise on a regular basis. So how do you clear your drains using a snake?

The Plumbing Snake

If you haven’t heard of a plumbing snake or seen one before, this is also often called an auger. This is a relatively affordable plumbing tool that will “snake” you out of many potential plumbing problems. It is made of a steel cable with a turning handle on one end and a tip that allows you to bore through blockage.

The cost would depend mostly on the size, length, and type of turning mechanism of the plumbing snake. The 3/8-inch model, which is about 20 feet in length comes highly recommended for all-around plumbing use. The shorter ¼-inch variant is also reliable for most home plumbing use.

The P-Trap

Sometimes, to ensure that the sink drain is free from blockage and clogs, you would have to clean the P-trap including the trap arm. This portion of the drain is where coffee grounds and grease would commonly stick to. Sometimes plunging would work, however, it is best to clean it out by disassembling the P-trap.

If your sink is clogged and water is sitting in it, make sure that you scoop or sponge it out to reduce what will go into the trap as you pull it out from the sink. A bucket should be positioned underneath to catch wastewater and prevent it from spilling onto the floor. Take a pair of slip-joint pliers to loosen the nuts holding the trap in place. Take extra care to avoid bending, cracking, or damaging the trap assembly.

The nut between the P-trap and the trap arm should be unscrewed first before the one located at the bottom. Once removed, clean out the trap thoroughly to ensure that all blockage is removed. When reinstalling, hand tighten the nuts and secure it in place with a quarter turn of the pliers.

Snaking the Line

The next step (especially if there is no blockage in the P-trap and trap arm) is to snake the drain line. How do you do this? Pull out about 6 to 10 inches of cable and begin to feed the snake down the drain line by turning the handle.

Continue to feed the drain line with the snake until you feel that you have hit an obstruction. Proceed by cranking the cable until it pushes through the blockage. This becomes obvious once the cable tension drops. Pull out the cable by turning it in a counterclockwise direction. Make sure that you clean the snake as you are pulling it out.

A large chunk of the blockage may still be attached to the end of the snake. Repeat the process until you no longer feel any blockage down the drain line. End by reassembling the trap and running about 5 gallons of warm water down the drain to flush out the line.

Proper Maintenance

To minimize potential drain problems, do not abuse your kitchen drains. This means never overloading the garbage disposal unit and keeping greasy food out of the drain lines.

Pouring half a cup of baking soda with the same amount of white vinegar down the drain and letting it sit for about 10 minutes will help ensure that leftover fat deposits do not sit in your drain lines. Flush out the mixture with warm water. This will also eliminate foul odor coming from your drain lines.

Undoubtedly, when it comes to proper maintenance of your drain lines and home plumbing system in general, the best way is to rely on experts like Scott English Plumbing. Pick up that phone today and give them a call!

When baseball was first introduced, players used their bare hands, but, as the game began to progress and evolve baseball gloves became a standard. Today, a variety of gloves are used in the game so for any player or fan, it pays to know how baseball gloves are produced.

The Materials

Aside from the small plastic reinforcement placed at the base of the small finger and thumb and the nylon thread, the glove is made completely from leather. Cattle, kangaroo, and buffalo are the most common types of leather used.

Cattle hide leather are tougher and more durable while softer types of leather, like kangaroo, although softer and faster to break in tends to wear out faster. The animal skin is turned into leather using either vegetable or chrome tanning methods. These are the most common tanning methods used even for modern day baseball gloves.

The Manufacturing Process

The leather arrives at the factory cured and tanned, which means they are ready to be turned into gloves. The leather will be graded for color and tested for its strength initially. The entire process is rather simple and easy to follow.

The four basic parts to make a glove, the shell, the pad, the lining, and the web, are automatically cut using a machine.

Brass stamping die is used to burn the manufacturer’s label into the leather.

While inside-out, the shell is sewn together and wetted to prevent cracking or ripping. It is then turned to insert the lining.

A hot hand, metallic hand-shaped mold, is used to heat the shell and form the correct size. This ensures that the finger stalls correctly open.

Better quality gloves make use of two-part pads for easier flexing in the right direction when it is squeezed. The padding that goes into the heel of the glove makes use of two leather layers that are stitched. Five layers of leather padding are used for the catcher’s mitts to give it a thicker palm compared to other types of gloves.

Plastic reinforcements are then inserted at the thumb and little finger sections of the glove for added support. This material also helps in protecting the fingers of the player from accidentally being bent backwards during practice or the game.

Several pieces of leather will be used to fabricate the web. Specifically, bout 2 to 6 pieces of leather can be used depending on the type of web preferred.

The baseball glove is now ready to be assembled. Lacing the edges of the glove normally requires about a 90-inch long rawhide to keep the glove materials together. The process of lacing begins either at the thumb or the little finger. The lacing ends at the web section of the glove with non-leather, usually nylon thread, stitching used for individual parts. Sheepskin or synthetic material can be used for the strap that goes across the back of the glove.

Both the catcher’s mitts and the first baseman’s glove require the palm, pad, web, and back parts to be sewn together. The palm and back are sewn first before stitching the other parts using rawhide lacing.

The manufacturing process is finished off with a lay off operation where the glove is placed on the hot hand for final shaping and adjustment to ensure the finger stalls remained open and not accidentally stitched together.

Eventually, the production process may evolve as the game of baseball progresses and becomes even more competitive.

Mpowered Baseball manufactures a wide range of baseball gloves and many other baseball related training items, accessories and bats like bamboo bats.

Are you thinking of changing your water heater from a conventional tank water heater to a tankless one? Perhaps you have an older tankless unit and would like to upgrade to a newer model? Or maybe you are thinking of putting one in your new home. Whatever your situation is right now, choosing a tankless water heater should be taken seriously. So here are some tips on how you can select the best tankless water heater for you.

Gas or Electric

The first thing you need to decide on is the type of power you want for your water heater. Tankless water heaters are commonly powered by electricity, propane, or natural gas. This type of water heating unit can be used for the entire house, heating source for specific fixtures, or even a boiler for your home heating system.

Therefore, installation can be done at the point where hot water is required or centrally. If you want hot water for example only for your bathroom shower, you can use an electric-powered tankless water heater. Gas-powered units on the other hand have the capability to deliver hot water to your whole house. However, you must remember that even the biggest capacity gas-fed tankless water heater will not be able to deliver hot water simultaneously to multiple large users.

So if you frequently use the washing machine, dishwasher, and shower simultaneously, you can have a gas-powered tankless water heater installed along with an electric-powered one installed at the point-of-need to meet your huge heating requirements.

Right Size

The size of the water heating unit you need would be based primarily on the requirements of your entire household. You cannot leave this to guesswork. Here are the water flow values for the different plumbing fixtures and appliances to guide you on the actual tankless water heater size you need.

Faucets – 0.75 to 2.5 gallons per minute;

Standard Showerheads – 2.5 to 3.5 gallons per minute;

Low-Flow Showerheads – 1.2 to 2 gallons; and

Washing Machines and Dishwashers – 1 to 2 gallons per minute.

You also need to establish the temperature rise you need. This would be basically be the amount you need to increase the temperature of the incoming water to reach your desired temperature. So if your incoming temperature is 50 degrees and want water heated to 120 degrees, you need a temperature rise of 70 degrees.

Next is to count the number of fixtures you expect to use simultaneously. So if you will use 3 faucets, 1 shower, and 1 dishwasher, you have to add their flow rates based on the figures given above. This will give you your desired flow rate. You can now choose the model of tankless water heater that can deliver your desired flow rate.

The Cost

It is important to note that tankless water heating units cost a bit higher than conventional ones. Small point-of-use models cost around $200 while larger gas-fired units can cost anywhere from $550 to $1,000 on the average.

If it costs more, why should you shift to tankless water heaters? By doing away with the hot water tank, you are also lowering your operating costs. You also gain the luxury of having hot water available on demand. The design of the unit as well as the price of gas (or electricity) in your area would become factors in computing the actual cost of operating your water heater. Normally this would be in the neighborhood of $12 to $20 a year. A unit with an Intermittent Ignition Device (IID) can further bring down the cost of operation.

With the service life of most tankless water heaters being around 20 years, choosing the best one for your needs would definitely give you a lot of savings. By following these tips and allowing a professional to install your tankless water heater, you can maximize the benefits of a tankless water heating system.

Give jonosplumbing.com a call for helpful advice and solution for choosing the best tankless water heater in you property, you will not disappointed!

How useful would it be if you can be immediately aware that you have a plumbing leak in your property? The truth is that predicting plumbing leaks can be extremely difficult because of the very complex nature of plumbing systems. However, if you learn how to read the signs, you will know when it is time to start repairs.

Noisy Pipes

The sound of running water may have a calming effect, but not when it comes to your home plumbing. Usually, when you hear running water without any fixtures open it is an indication that you have a leak. The sound of running water is not the only thing that you may hear when it comes to your plumbing system.

You may also hear tapping, pinging, banging, and even rattling. These noises are commonly associated with air in your pipes. This also means that there is a leak somewhere that allows the air to get into the plumbing system. When your water heater is turned on and there is a sound of running water, then your heating unit has a leak.

Increased Water Usage

One of the biggest giveaways that you have a leak problem is when your water bill reflects increased water usage without you noticing it. This highlights the importance of monitoring your water usage daily, weekly, and monthly. How do you do this?

Keeping track of water meter readings is a very effective way to see if there are changes in water consumption even if you maintain usage pattern. Another great way to see if there is a leak is to turn off all possible exit points of water in your home and take note of the meter reading. After an hour, check if the meter reading has changed. Any changes in the reading is a confirmation that water is exiting the plumbing system where it should not.

Discoloration and Water Spots

Do you see moist, spongy, wet, or discolored portions of your ceiling or wall? These are definite signs that water is leaking in places that you do not see. The dangerous thing with this condition is that you cannot visually verify the extent of the problem at once.

Sometimes, bubbly paint, odd dirt lines, and soft spots can also mean that there is a leak behind your walls, ceiling, or foundation. If this problem is not addressed immediately, you are not only looking at a plumbing leak problem, but also the possibility of mold and mildew growth. Do you know what this mean? This means that you are facing a potential health risk.

Odd or Foul Smell

What can be causing the odd or foul smell? In the context of plumbing, this can mean mold and mildew growth or possibly sewer gases leaking into your home. But how can you tell which is which?

If the smell is coming from small damp areas of your home like bathrooms and laundry rooms, then chances are you have a mold and mildew problem. If the smell is traced to areas near drains and sewers, this can mean that you have a potential sewage leak possibly because of broken water seals that prevent sewer gases from getting into your home.

Ground Damage

This does not only mean cracked concrete but can also be soggy spots, uneven vegetation, and other disturbances on the ground. Usually, this would mean that there are changes in moisture happening underneath that is causing the damage. How is this connected to plumbing leaks?

Keep in mind that main plumbing lines are running underground so if there is a leak along this line, it would cause water to seep into the soil and create a disturbance on anything above ground. As the soil begins to shift, then you face the real danger of your main pipe lines becoming damaged by the movement.

So what do you do next after you see these signs of plumbing leaks? The only sensible thing to do is to pick up the phone and call an experienced professional plumber from newportbeach-plumber.com to prevent the damage from getting bigger and your expenses increasing.

The dual flush toilet was created in 1980 and introduced into the market by the Caroma Company the following year. The primary reason was to provide consumers with a better way of saving water with every flush. The invention was actually born from the search for water saving devices that would help Australia, which was experiencing a drought during those times. Eventually, it was adopted by different governments because of its environmental-friendly impact. What else should you know about dual flush toilets?

The Two Flush Difference

Basically, dual flush toilets provide you with two buttons that give you an option what to use when urinating or moving bowel. Why do you need two buttons? Because you can use letter water to flush urine compared to moving solid waste. So what does this mean in terms of savings?

First off, you can save on your water consumption. This translates to savings in your monthly water bills. When you consider how long you are going to use your dual flush toilet then you can also save on replacement and maintenance costs. Not to mention that the savings in water usage creates a positive environmental impact.

Consider this, dual flush toilets can cut your water consumption by as much as 67% compared to using a conventional toilet. This is perhaps one of the reasons why laws were passed requiring dual flush toilets to be installed in certain establishments and suggested for home use. Can you imagine how much help this can be if you live in an area that is experiencing water shortage?

New Technology

Despite being introduced in the 1980s, there are still some areas where dual flush toilets are considered new technology. Dual flush toilets have undergone various innovations to increase their efficiency and flushing power. These factors have made it one of the fastest growing industries across the world. Many toilet manufacturers have incorporated their own designs and innovations in the production of dual flush toilets as their signature for the market.

If you are a homeowner on the lookout for dual flush toilets, this means that you will be met with a variety of options that can give you savings not only from its usage, but its purchase price as well. With various sizes and designs, dual flush toilets can fit even in the most cramped bathroom spaces without hampering its flushing performance.

Innovative Designs

The cutting edge appearance, increased flushing power, and better efficiency of dual flush toilets have made them extremely attractive for homeowners and commercial properties. The pursuit for more innovative designs is continuous with many manufacturers focusing on the different aspects of the toilet including its aesthetics, ease of use, and comfort.

Even the flushing mechanism can help you distinguish which manufacturer produced the dual flush toilet. The continuous focus on innovative designs has also helped to weed out the poor flushing action that characterized earlier designs and models. The simplicity of the designs make it easier to identify which button to use when you want to flush urine or send solid waste down the drain; even kids will have no problem using the right flushing action.

Plumbing Requirements

Are you aware that the plumbing requirements for dual flush toilets is different from conventional toilets? The plumbing of dual flush toilets is a bit complicated than the average toilet installation, which means that it should be handled by a licensed professional plumber.

So do not waste your money buying the best dual flush toilet in the market by trying to install it yourself. Keep in mind that paying $210 to $500 for a professional plumber to install your dual flush toilet would eventually pay for itself as you begin to reap the benefits of its use in the years to come.

If you want problem-free use of your dual flush toilet, contact plumbingpasadena.biz, a licensed professional plumber today!

How important is the septic tank in your home plumbing system? More importantly, do you really need to maintain it?

Although it is designed to hold effluent, many homeowners tend to forget that just like any part of the plumbing system, it needs to be kept in shape to ensure its smooth operation. So let’s learn how to maintain the septic tank system.

The Toilet

One of the direct lines to your septic tank system is your toilet. As such, it becomes the entry point of many of the things that finds its way into your septic tank. The problem with this is that many homeowners do not know how to take good care of their toilets.

Toilets are designed to handle body waste and water only. Although it is called toilet paper, it does not really belong inside the toilet, unless its packaging says it is safe to flush.

Why is this important to know? Because flushing things that don’t belong in the toilet can lead to clogged drains, damaged tank, damaged drain field, and sewage backup.

Make sure that you have a trash bin beside the toilet so that anything that does not belong in the bowl goes into the trash. This is one of the best ways to maintain the health of your septic system.

Water Usage

Every septic tank has its own capacity and the size of the drain field is limited as well. Since wastewater is treated onsite, excessive use of water can overfill the tank and make it impossible to completely separate the solids.

When this happens more solid waste will end up in the drain field and result in clogging or septic failure.

How can you cut down on your water usage? Change to water-efficient fixtures and avoid using your washing machines and dishwashers simultaneously.

To make the most of your laundry, always use full loads. Perhaps the most effective way to save water is to fix leaks immediately.

Drain Strainers

They are cheap, easy to install, available in most hardware stores, and they belong on top of your drains. Yes, these drain strainers can be a lifesaver especially when you consider that they can keep food scraps, hair, and other materials that can cause clogging and system failure out of your drains.

When synthetic materials get into the septic system, especially the drain field, it can cause the septic system to fail. Of course, these drain strainers are not as effective when it comes to harsh chemicals found in laundry soaps.

These chemicals can destroy the bacteria in the septic system and allow wastewater to remain untreated. The strainers can keep some of the soap scum out of the drains though.

It is important to point out that keeping the bacteria in the septic system healthy will ensure that septic tanks will remain functional and efficient. And when maintained properly, there is nothing else that your septic system needs.

Pumping

What do you need to do when scum and sludge accumulates and seeps out of the tank? It is time to have the septic tank pumped. Part of properly maintaining your septic system is to have it inspected and pumped at least every 3 to 5 years.

This part of the maintenance should be left to experts because of the dangerous gases in your septic system. To be sure you do not miss out on the schedule, record all inspections, repairs, and maintenance work done on your septic system.

Drain Field

Majority of solid waste will be processed in-tank with just a bit making it to the drain field. The problem is when sludge build up in the tank and it is not pumped out.

This allows solid waste to move faster into the drain field. The result will be the manifestation of foul odor, wet spots, puddles, and clogged distribution pipes. Sometimes gurgling drains are an indication of drain field problems.

If you keep up with the pumping schedule, the only things you need to worry about the drain field is tree roots getting into the sewer pipes and preventing over saturation.

This is why you need to plant trees at least 30 feet away from your sewer line and research about growth patterns to protect your septic system.

Water from downspouts and pumps should always be directed away from the drain field. Keeping the unnecessary weight from compacting the soil also helps to maintain smooth water flow.

Bottom line is that if you correct bad habits, maintain a regular pumping schedule, and keep oily substances out of the drains you can keep your septic system well-maintained.

Additionally, having a licensed professional check your plumbing system at least once a year will go a long way in saving yourself a whole lot of plumbing troubles. Please visit huntington-beachplumber.com to learn more.

Yes, it is true that toilets are one of the most common source of leaks in an average household. And yes, toilets are not as complex as other plumbing fixtures or appliances; but, this does not mean that you can automatically assume that leaks are caused by a bad flapper, or worn out seals.

How will you know how to find and fix toilet leaks?

Tank Sweating

When looking for something (including leaks) sometimes the best solution is to know where to start. A condition known as tank sweating happens when the temperature inside the toilet tank is colder than the temperature outside. This causes the water to condense and drip to the floor.

This condition is more prevalent during the warm summer months but can happen in any season. The way to deal with this is to use tank liners that will insulate the water inside the toilet tank.

There are also anti-sweat toilet tank valves that mixes cold and warm water in the tank to reduce the temperature difference.

To confirm whether it is tank sweating you have to wipe the outside of the toilet tank and visually observe if condensation is happening.

Tank Leak

Another possibility is to check if there is a leak from inside the toilet tank. Add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the toilet tank. Instead of flushing, wait for the food coloring to settle.

In about 15 minutes try to observe if some of the colored water is dripping on the floor. This would confirm that there is a toilet tank leak. Where is it coming from?

The most obvious source of the leak would be a crack on the tank. Try to look for any discolored portion of the tank or an area outside the toilet tank that is highlighted with colored water. This would usually be an indication where the actual leak is coming from. How do you fix the leak? Try these following tips from south bay plumbing.

Between the Tank and the Bowl – if the colored water drips from the area between the tank and the bowl, the probability is that the bowl gasket must be replaced along with the tank-to-bowl bolt washers. The more you flush, the more leaking will happen. The tinted water may also appear near the edge of the bowl not only along the center. This happens when the bowl design has a lower side near the front instead of the inlet hole. To fix this problem you have to replace the gasket and the washers, which are available from most plumbing stores.

Fill Valve Shank Gasket – the fill valve is attached to the tank and allows water to get into the tank. The shank gasket inside the tank is connected to the fill valve. The colored water will reveal if the leak is anywhere in this portion. It will also be easier to see the presence of cracks within the area of the gasket. Tightening the nut with a quarter turn should stop the toilet leak; otherwise replace the gasket.

Refill Tube – when the source of the leak seems to be from the back of the tank near the top, the possibility is that it has something to do with the refill tube or it might have come loose. Simply make sure that the refill tube is firmly connected.

Cracked tank – if the problem is really cracks on the porcelain tank, the only solution is to replace the toilet tank and have a new one installed by a professional.

Other Sources of Leaks

Aside from the toilet tank, there are other parts of the toilet plumbing system that can cause leaks. These are the:

Shutoff Valve – a busted valve can allow water to seep from the pipe and even leave moisture behind the wall. Valves are not repaired, they must be replaced.

Supply Line – leaks can happen at either end of the supply line. When this happens, replace it with one made of flexible stainless steel that are easier to attach, but durable.

Wax Ring – found under the toilet, it can allow wastewater to seep back into the bathroom. You may notice water coming from under the toilet every time you flush if the wax ring is worn out. What you have to do is to reseal the toilet with a new wax ring and even change the caulking around the toilet base as well for good measure.

Other part of the bathroom – sometimes leaks coming from the shower, sink, or tub tend to accumulate near the toilet only because it is the lowest fixture inside your bathroom. This means that the problem lies elsewhere.

You now have a fairly good idea how to find and fix toilet leaks. A good rule of thumb is that if you are unsure, call for professional help!

Have you ever used chemical drain cleaners in your home? Do you find them accessible and easy to use? Well, for all the seeming comfort that they bring to your home and your attempts to keep your plumbing system healthy, did you know that chemical drain cleaners pose certain dangers?

Yes, in fact, many licensed professional plumbing services would never recommend using these types of cleaners. So that you must know, here are some reasons why you must avoid chemical drain cleaners.

1. Corrosive

The main reason why people use drain cleaners is to remove clogs that hamper the smooth flow of wastewater. These chemical drain cleaners are formulated in such a way that they contain corrosive properties that affect not only junk and grease, but also the piping materials. Some of the chemicals used can erode pipes, which means they can even burn through your skin.

2. Highly Toxic

The chemical drain cleaners that we use in our homes come with a warning, and with good reason. The substances are very dangerous to human health not only when swallowed, but even when inhaled or comes into contact with the skin. When you use these cleaners, the high toxicity level produces fumes that remain in the air that you breathe and can cause a burning sensation on your eyes and nose.

3. Damage Plumbing

As for septic systems, the chemicals are detrimental to the organic bacteria that breaks down the waste matter that goes into your septic tanks. When the bacteria dies, the septic system will fail to function properly leaving you with the possibility of having a backed up septic system.

Pipes and septic systems are not safe from the chemicals in these cleaners. The chemical solutions are extremely powerful that they will eat through the piping material as they dissolve the clogged debris. Continuously using them will give you more plumbing problems than you started with. If you have older plumbing pipes, the more prone they become to damage.

The reason we use cleaners is to help keep our plumbing systems healthy. However, with chemical drain cleaners, there is a huge drawback because of the corrosive and toxic contents. Using these types of cleaners will leave pit marks and tarnish your plumbing fixtures.

4. Not Applicable to All

The truth of the matter is that chemical drain cleaners are not effective for all types of clogs. There are certain problems that can cause clogging other than an accumulation of junk and debris. For example, is a part of the pipe has broken down and caused the clogging, the chemical drain cleaner will not be able to restore the functionality of the drain. Most of the time, it will just sit within the pipes and cause more harm than good. This is not something that you want, right?

5. Dangerous Splatters

You do know that you have to be very careful when pouring chemical cleaners down the drain right? The problem with this is that even the slight splatter will be dangerous to you. It can get in your eyes, reach your skin, or you may inhale the vapors. This is why when using these types of cleaners it is highly recommended that you use all types of protective gear for your eyes, nose, and skin.

Worse is if you have a child in the house who can accidentally get in contact with the chemical. The burns are very serious so you need to wash them off immediately under running water. You also need to read the labels very carefully before using the cleaners.

With all of these dangers to your plumbing, home, and body, you really need to avoid using chemical drain cleaners. Call www.rancho-santamargaritaplumbing.com, a licensed professional plumber to get more relevant information on how to best clean your drains.

Do you realize that in order to increase the efficiency of your home plumbing all you have to do is to switch out some of your plumbing fixtures? For example, are you aware that by simply replacing your conventional showerheads with a low-flow variety you will generate substantial savings from your monthly utility bills? And the great thing is that there is virtually no reduction on the quality of shower you enjoy. In fact, you may even notice a significant increase in water pressure. See how showerheads can really save you money.

The Flow Rate

Before you can even appreciate the savings you get from low-flow showerheads, you have to understand flow rate. For example, if you live in the United States, the maximum allowable flow rate is 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). So if you take a shower for a minute, you cannot use more than 2.5 gallons of water; it is that simple!

Now, what makes low-flow showerheads different and where does the savings come from? Current crop of low-flow showerheads are designed to deliver a maximum of 1.5 gpm only, some even use as low as 1.0 gpm. This means that very little water is allowed through the nozzles while maintaining the water pressure.

As you can see, shifting to low-flow showerheads is a long-term investment. The longer you use it in your home, the more savings it will generate. Even if it costs a bit more than the conventional showerhead, the price difference becomes negligible because of the continuous savings you get from its usage.

Monthly Water Savings

According to some research, an average American will spend around 7 to 10 minutes in the shower. This is the average, some may spend 20 minutes while others even more. There will also be those who can finish showering in just 3 minutes. Based on the same research, the average number of showers taken is once a day. So how can a low-flow showerhead make a difference compared to a conventional one?

Let us assume that an average person takes 25 showers in a month. Based on the low estimate of 7 minutes per shower and using a low-flow showerhead with a consumption of 1.5 gpm, you will use up 262.5 gallons of water in a month.

If you have a conventional showerhead that uses 2.5 gpm, and you take the same length of shower within the same number of days previously stated, you will use up 437.5 gallons of water in one month from showering alone.

There is a significant difference of 175 gallons between the 2 types of showerheads. This represents a 60% reduction on your water usage for a month from a single showerhead. What if you have 3 showers in your home? The discrepancy will increase drastically. And if you multiply 175 by 12 months, you are conserving 2,100 gallons of water from one low-flow showerhead in a year!

EPA Recommended Savings

We are not done yet. Do you want more savings? According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average American family can easily save at least 2,900 gallons of water every year with EPA recommended showerheads. These are the showerheads that come with special labeling from the EPA.

You must also realize that the savings on your water usage will proportionally reduce the demands on your home water heating system. This translates to energy savings. According to the EPA, an average family will be able to save over 370 kilowatt hours of electricity every year. This amount of energy is already enough to power a house for about 13 days.

Overall, the potentials of using low-flow showerheads can generate savings of over $2.2 billion on water bills all over the country. This is equivalent to about 260 billion gallons of water every year. Add to this the approximately $2.6 billion in energy savings from your water heaters.

After all of these, is there still any doubt on your mind that showerheads can save you money? Contact a plumber in Tustin by visiting our website tustin-plumbing.com to get more info.

How much do you enjoy the privacy you get from your bathroom? Is it one of the rooms in your home where you spend most of your time? There are many reasons why homeowners would want to remodel their bathrooms, but usually, the most common reason why they don’t is the cost.

Establishing the cost can be difficult if you have no idea what needs to be done or the scope of work that has to be covered. Do you really need a professional to do the work? Well, if you want it done right, this should not even be a question. How can you be ready for your bathroom remodeling?

Making the Plan

Everything begins with a plan. What do you want to do? Is there anything you want to change? If so, how much of a change do you want to see? These are all legitimate question that you just cannot sidestep in planning your new bathroom. To make things a bit easier, follow these suggestions:

Get your schedule straight. Make sure that the work to be done by the plumbers, carpenters, and other workers do not overlap. There must be ample time to allow for the drywall to finish, the electrical installations to be done, and the insulation to be completed.

Give some allowance. When you make a schedule, put in some extra days just in case the workers overshoot the target. It is better to extend the completion date of the remodeling instead of having to do things over again. This is not a race!

Storage space. Cabinets are essential to keeping the bathroom neat and clean. Make sure that you provision enough storage space for everything that you will be using in your bathroom.

Color scheme. You do not need a huge space to have a big bathroom. You can actually project an illusion of a big bathroom by choosing lighter color schemes that will make it look more spacious. Make sure that the tiles and wallpaper designs complement your chosen scheme.

Draw it out. It is good to visualize what you want your bathroom to look like, but, there is nothing better than having it down on paper. When you sketch your new bathroom, make sure you specify where you want the lights and mirrors to be. This will give you an idea of how many lights you will need including the electrical wires and outlets to buy. Bathroom fixtures should be laid out accordingly as well.

The Next Step

Now that you have done your part in laying out your new bathroom, what you need to do is to find the right contractor to bring it to life. When talking to contractors, make sure that you discuss your plans with them including the budget you expect to spend. This will give both of you a clearer picture on what is possible and what is not.

Do not forget to discuss the timeline of the work to make sure it remains realistic. Ask the contractor where you can buy good bathroom fixtures at a lower price so that you can get some savings. Usually, if the contractor provides for the carpentry, electrical, and other work to be done, you can get a discount on the overall price of the remodel.

If you do need to cut down because of budget constraints, do so by removing some of the add-ons in your bathroom design like mirrors, candles, shower curtains, and the likes. Never sacrifice on the quality of the fixtures essential to the functionality of your new bathroom.

Estimating the Cost

Since you have a good idea of the scope of work needed to complete your bathroom remodel, you can now start estimating just how much money you would need. One of the biggest factors when estimating the cost of the remodel is the size of the bathroom. Next is the type of fixtures you want to put in including faucets, showerheads, bathtub, and others. You also have to factor in the lighting, countertops, flooring, and cabinets to be installed.

In general, a rough estimate of an average sized bathroom would cost around $9,000. For small to medium-sized remodels, it can be anywhere from $3,500 to $7,000. For most homeowners who have undergone a simple yet decent bathroom remodel, the average spending was $5,650.